Minnesota Twins' Justin Morneau: 'I'm still here. I'm happy here'

Trade buzz and speculation have increased the past weeks concerning Justin Morneau, who is in the final year of an $80 million contract. (Pioneer Press file photo: John Autey)

Returning to Target Field on Friday for the first time since Independence Day, Justin Morneau answered questions from a swarm of reporters on the widely speculated trade talks surrounding the veteran first baseman.

For the most part, he remained steadfast in his answers.

"I'm still here," he said three different times.

"I'm happy here," he said twice.

Trade buzz and speculation have increased the past weeks or so concerning Morneau, who is in the final year of an $80 million contract.

"I'm still a member of this team, and hope to be a member of this team in the future," Morneau said. "And beyond that, there's not much I can control. I'm not too worried about it. If it happens, I'll deal with it. If it doesn't, I'm happy to play here.

"It's nothing I can control, so there's no point in worrying about it."